Are You Washing and Showering Correctly?

Maintaining a proper bathing routine not only ensures cleanliness but also promotes healthy skin.

Just like your skincare routine, your shower routine should include following the do’s and don’ts to achieve radiant skin.

Your bathing and washing habits can impact the health of your skin and hair. Photo: Teen Vogue.

pH balance

Hot water can be harsh on the skin and hair, removing natural oils and causing dryness, dullness, and uneven skin tone.

Christina Carlsson, lead stylist and educator, advises using warm water for hair and scalp, as hot water can cause irritation, dryness, and other negative reactions. If you have dyed hair, it’s recommended to use cooler water temperature after shampooing to reduce fading.

Using gentle and non-abrasive soaps is important for maintaining the skin’s protective acid mantle. Soaps with a high pH can strip away this protective layer, resulting in dry, rough, and sensitive skin, according to dermatologist Dr. Audrey Kunin.

The pH balance is important not only for the face but also for the body. Photo: SCMP.

Avoid bath utensils

Bathrooms, even with ventilation, tend to be humid environments after showering. Utensils such as sponges, brushes, loofahs, and towels can easily harbor bacteria in such conditions.

Using these tools daily can spread bacteria over your body, leading to irritation, itchiness, and infection, warns Lisa Fennessy, founder of the blog This Organic Girl. Dermatologists suggest using a soft-bristled bath brush that can be cleaned with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and alcohol to keep it bacteria-free.

Loofahs and sponges can harbor bacteria and mold. Photo: SCMP.

Moisturize immediately after bathing

After showering, your skin holds more moisture than the surrounding air. To prevent water loss and keep your skin healthy and vibrant, it’s essential to moisturize right after showering. Body oils can also help in keeping the skin hydrated.

Lisa Fennessy suggests applying body oils on damp skin after showering for effective moisturization. Moisturizers and oils create a protective shield, preventing water from evaporating from the skin.

Moisturizing immediately after bathing helps retain moisture. Photo: L’Oreal Paris.

Comb your hair before washing

Brushing dry hair before shampooing is crucial for maintaining its health and preventing frizz. Wet hair is more prone to breakage, so combing it before wetting reduces the risk of hair loss, breakage, and frizz.

Amika Aoife McCarthy, a stylist and educator, advises detangling hair before washing to make it easier. If you prefer to comb your hair while washing, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while applying conditioner to untangle strands. This allows for even distribution of the product and helps with detangling, explains McCarthy.

Brushing hair before shampooing helps prevent hair loss. Photo: Shutterstock.

Exfoliate for healthier skin

Regular exfoliation is crucial for removing dead skin cells and maintaining bright and healthy-looking skin. A chemical-based body scrub used before bathing can significantly improve skin texture, leaving it soft and radiant, according to Dr. Audrey Kunin.

However, exfoliation should not be done too frequently, and the product used should be gentle to avoid excessive abrasiveness.

Exfoliating 2-3 times a week is suitable. Photo: Friendly Turtle.

According to Zing